India began brightly and pushed laborious within the first 5 minutes of the match however their assaults fizzled as soon as out contained in the opposition D.
India began brightly and pushed laborious within the first 5 minutes of the match however their assaults fizzled as soon as out contained in the opposition D.
The younger Indian males’s hockey crew produced a spirited efficiency to beat Japan 1-0 and clinch the bronze medal within the Asia Cup right here on Wednesday.
After lacking out of a spot within the title conflict on purpose distinction following an thrilling 4-4 draw with South Korea on Tuesday, defending champions India got here out with goal and scored a discipline purpose by Raj Kumar Pal as early as within the seventh minute of the sport after which defended in numbers to seal the deal.
India began brightly and pushed laborious within the first 5 minutes of the match however their assaults fizzled as soon as out contained in the opposition D.
The Indians, nevertheless, broke the impasse within the seventh minute from a brisk counter-attack with Uttam Singh doing all of the hardwork on the suitable flank to set it up for Rajkumar Pal, who neatly pushed it previous the Japanese goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa. Three minutes later, the Indians secured two back-to-back penalty corners however wasted each.
Within the final 5 minutes of the primary quarter, Japan pressed laborious in quest of the equaliser and mounted quite a few raids however the Indian defence stood agency to carry on to their lead.
Trailing by a purpose, Japan continued to assault and within the course of earned two consecutive penalty corners within the twentieth minute however the Indians defended in numbers to maintain their lead intact.
Each Japan and India had just a few extra probabilities within the second quarters however each the groups faltered within the ultimate third.
Japan got here out attacking after the change of ends and secured two extra penalty corners in fast succession however they failed to interrupt the resolute Indian defence.
In between India had a golden likelihood to increase their lead however Rajkumar shot over from shut quarters from a SV Sunil go.
The Japanese put relentless stress on the Indian citadel within the ultimate two quarters in quest of the equaliser however the Birendra-Lakra aspect stood like a rock to disclaim their opponents.
Within the forty eighth minute, Japan secured three successive penalty corners however could not breach the Indian backline.
Japan earned one other penalty nook within the 51st minute however the Indian defence as soon as once more foiled the prospect.
Whereas Japan pressed laborious within the remaining minutes the Indians put numbers on the again to efficiently defend their one purpose lead and safe a podium end.
Later within the day, Malaysia and South Korea will face off within the title conflict.
